The Facts

Washing your hands reduces the potential for getting sick and spreading illness to others. Knowing this, how much of a difference does proper hand hygiene really make? The CDC handwashing guidelines recommend washing your hands before or after key situations, such as after using the restroom and prior to preparing or eating food. When followed, these regulations offer the following benefits: 

• 1 in 3 diarrheal illnesses are prevented
• Gastrointestinal illness in children is reduced by 29%-57%, increasing school attendance
• Decrease workplace illness rates, reducing absenteeism by 41%

1. Education

Educating building occupants about the importance of handwashing inspires them to wash their hands according to CDC guidelines. Signage can be placed in prime locations, such as restrooms, food prep areas, and anywhere else with a clean, accessible sink and soap dispenser. Signage should be easy to understand, ideally with pictures illustrating the process. 

Handwashing signage should highlight one of three main factors:

1. Why clean hands are important for personal health – 80% of contagious diseases can be transferred by touch
2. Proper handwashing steps – It is recommended that signage containing handwashing steps is placed by sinks and handwashing stations for maximum exposure
3. Critical handwashing situations – The CDC suggests washing your hands after using the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

For a downloadable, printable flyer explaining handwashing procedures, please click here.

2. Convenience and Appearance

Research shows that individuals are more inclined to wash their hands when restroom facilities are clean, fully functional, and organized. Ensuring soap dispensers are available at every sink and restroom is extremely important. If you would like to see if your facility qualifies for free Clario TF dispensers, please fill out this form. 

Keeping soap dispensers full of hand hygiene products increases the likelihood of individuals washing their hands, and facility maintenance staff should check soap levels daily. Betco’s Clario closed loop dispensing system guarantees clean and easy product placement. Unlike bulk dispensers, Clario’s refills are not susceptible to cross contamination because they are factory sealed. When bulk dispensers are not properly cleaned before refilling, the soap can become contaminated and cloudy with bacteria, which deters use or increases bacteria on hands rather than reducing it. For more information about bulk soap dispenser contamination, please click here.

3. Alternative Visual Cues

In addition to educational posters and signage around handwashing stations, certain visual cues can encourage people to wash their hands. For example, decals featuring germs can be placed on door handles and other high-touch locations in environments like K-12 schools, simulating bacterial populations. Providing people with a visual representation of germs living on certain harmless objects can inspire them to keep their own hands clean and avoid touching these objects, if possible.

Similarly, placing footprint decals on the floor leading directly to handwashing stations is equally as effective. Research reveals a 50% increase in handwashing after a clear, direct path was created leading from restrooms to handwashing stations. 

Percentage of Children Washing Both Hands After Leaving Restroom

Percentage of children washing both hands with soap and water before and after exiting the restroom, before and after the addition of signage and paths leading directly from restrooms to handwashing stations (click or tap to expand).

Hand Sanitizer

As an effective alternative when soap and water are unavailable, hand sanitizer stations are a convenient option to encourage hand hygiene across facilities. Traditional handwashing methods remove dirt, chemicals, and lingering microbes on skin, but hand sanitizer is still extremely effective in killing bacteria and viruses on hands. It is recommended to place hand sanitizing stations near high-traffic areas like entrances, exits, check-out counters, restrooms, cafeterias and break rooms, or any high-touch locations. 

Betco's Comprehensive Solutions

For maximum results, the American Cleaning Institute recommends automatic dispensers like the Clario TF, paired with foaming hand soap. The combination of touch free dispensers and foam soap offers a hygienic dispensing option with the best soap coverage. Foam soap clings to hands nearly 2x as long as gel soap and rinses easily, making it a prime option for efficient-yet-effective hand hygiene solutions. 

The Clario TF (also available as a manual dispenser) can be paired with products like Advanced Alcohol Foaming Sanitizer as well as hand soap like E2 Antibacterial Foaming Skin Cleanser. 

To learn more about the Clario program, click here. To connect with a Betco hand hygiene expert, please click here.

1. Maintaining Compliance and Safety

Creating and maintaining a clean facility requires strict regulatory procedures that guarantee the safety of cleaning teams. E-learning courses offered through MyBetco prioritize legally mandated OSHA training for cleaning staff, including:

• OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) – Mandatory at the start of employment and recommended to take annually as a refresher, this is the second-most violated standard. We cover all training requirements to keep our end-use customers in compliance: 
1. Content of the standard
2. GHS (Globally Harmonized System)
3. Safety Data Sheets
4. Proper chemical labeling
• Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) – Mandatory every year and covers all necessary training components:
1. Content of the standard
2. Reducing exposure to bloodborne pathogens
3. Universal precautions
4. Employer responsibilities

MyBetco also includes courses prioritizing worker safety on the job site. Courses outlining Slip and Fall Prevention and general Worker Safety are offered to educate teams on the importance of occupational and overlooked hazards. 

2. Team Management

Supervising multiple teams at once means that training and professional development can be difficult to track. MyBetco permits Team Leads to create and manage teams of employees within the user portal, simplifying task delegation and progress records. Team leads are capable of:

• Tracking employee progress and success 
• Organizing and assigning Learning Paths
• Standardizing training for specific teams and situations

Communication between users and Team Leads is streamlined with automatic email notifications following every new assignment, registration, and completed course, providing users with immediate feedback and eliminating the need for Team Leads to individually address each action. Certificates are generated after a user finishes a course, commending them for their achievements and serving as credible proof of course completion. Please see video below for an overview of MyBetco’s team management capabilities. 

3. Employee Turnover

Nearly 40% of cleaning staff have worked at their current employer for less than 1 year, and almost 70% for less than 2. In an industry with high employee turnover, investing in costly training for employees might not always be cost effective in the long run, and developing a comprehensive plan that accommodates entire teams can be troublesome.

Graph sourced from Zippia

MyBetco presents a free, high-quality solution geared towards improving employee skills without excessive allocation of funds and effort. Standardizing and streamlining training not only produces better cleaning outcomes, but creates knowledgeable, satisfied employees:

• Employee efficiency soars by 218% as a result of training
• Access to training influences 70% of employees in their decision to stay or leave a job
• 27% more employees hit their first performance milestones with proper training during onboarding
• Employees who are engaged through training outperform non-trained, non-engaged peers by up to 20%

4. Relevant Coursework

Keeping up with industry trends while accommodating for varying employee learning styles and diverse language requirements can be an arduous task. Courses and educational resources on MyBetco are presented in multiple formats and consistently updated, ensuring that teams have constant access to relevant content. Multiple learning methods help facilities teams navigate and absorb topics, tools, and techniques, while frequent knowledge checks and quizzes establish proven results.

MyBetco also meets increasing demand for multilingual content with courses available in Spanish, French, and English. It is a mandatory OSHA requirement that training must be provided in a language that is easily understood by employees. With 79.3% of janitors speaking Spanish, MyBetco empowers Spanish-speaking teams to easily pursue professional training.

Graph sourced from Zippia

5. Resource Availability

Often, essential resources are not organized in a central location. SDSs may be stored on one site with manuals on another which prevents easy access in critical moments. MyBetco houses necessary resources all in one convenient location, including webinars, training, manuals, SDSs, helpful blogs, and more. These resources are available across devices, bringing necessary training collateral to your staff members’ fingertips in any location.  

As captains of a dynamic industry, in-house facilities teams must be organized and efficient with their time and resources. MyBetco simplifies resource accessibility, transforming training techniques and team management. Embracing the versatility of MyBetco’s online training and tools means leaders spend less time building competent, well-trained teams and more time on other important duties. Sign up and register for MyBetco today!

Butyl-Based Degreasers

One of the most common and cost-effective cleaning agents, butyl’s chemical composition allows it to penetrate and disperse within oil for easy and efficient extraction. Butyl degreasers are versatile and safe for use on a wide range of surfaces, including metal, concrete, plastic, and painted surfaces. While suitable for countless applications, butyl degreasers are ideal for removing tar, asphalt, oils, and greases, as well as removing oily build-up from automotive service bays. Unlike other heavy-duty cleaners, butyl degreasers rinse easily without leaving behind any residue – perfect for the fast-paced industrial manufacturing environment.  

Citrus Solvents

D-limonene, also known as citrus terpenes, is a naturally occurring substance derived from the oil within the peels of citrus fruit. D’limonene – being a solvent – does not have a pH. Citrus solvents provide a natural, traditional alternative to butyl-based degreasers. Due to its high dielectric strength, many d’limonene degreasers are safe to use around circuit boxes and electric motors. D’limonene degreasers are powerful enough to clean brake parts, oily motors, adhesives, tire marks, tar/asphalt, part washers, and more. The best part? Degreasers infused with citrus terpenes contain a natural citrus fragrance that deodorizes as it easily lifts tough soils from surfaces. 

Non-Butyl Degreasers

Many industries, such as food service or food processing environments, impose restrictions on certain chemicals, including butyl. Butyl-free degreasers are an alternative solution that offer effective degreasing properties without the hazards and negative perception of butyl degreasers. Depending on the formulation, butyl-free degreasers target starches, sugars, fats, and liquid oils, but remain suitable for use in industrial manufacturing settings as well due to their versatile qualities. Most butyl-free degreasers are safe for cleaning concrete, walls, floors, machinery, engines, and other water-washable surfaces. 

Probiotic Degreasers

The ultimate in sustainable degreasing, probiotic cleaners contain enzyme-producing bacteria that consume industrial soils. Probiotic degreasers have a residual effect, meaning the enzymes continue to work after application: perfect for busy industrial environments. These powerful products can eradicate oil, sugars, fats, starches, coolants, and grease throughout industrial facilities and hard-to-clean spaces like drains and grates. By harnessing the power of bacteria and enzymes, probiotic degreasers provide effective grease digestion and odor control while promoting a cleaner and more sustainable environment. To learn more about the processes involved with probiotic industrial soil consumption, please click here.

Keeping the industrial workplace free of excess grease and oil is imperative for maintaining safety regulations and quality compliance. When left unaddressed, grease and oil can corrode and damage surfaces and equipment, as well as create dangerous, slippery conditions that endanger employees. To learn more about Betco’s industrial manufacturing solutions, click here. To connect with a Betco product expert, click here. 

Poorly Prepped Surface

When coating resilient tile, there is a select process to be followed that ensures your surface is ready for finish application. If you’re performing a top scrub and recoat, it is important that you remove all embedded soil and an even layer of finish. To learn more about proper interim maintenance practices, please click here. If stripping and refinishing, all sealer and finish layers must be completely removed from the floor. To learn more about this process, please click here.

In either case:

• If using an automatic scrubber for finish removal, Betco recommends a double scrub to more effectively remove contaminants that could interfere with proper leveling.
• You should always perform a detail rinse with warm water after finish removal
  • Top scrub chemicals and strippers both leave an alkaline residue, over which no floor finish will properly bond or spread.
  • Check the floor with the palm of your hand before coating to ensure there isn’t any residue before applying. If powder comes off on your hand, detail rinse again.
• The floor must be completely dry before applying finish.

 It is worth noting that if you are finishing new VCT, the tiles likely have been pre-treated with a factory finish, and it should be stripped then thoroughly rinsed before applying your desired finish for best results.

The floor must be free from residues, soils, and any other lingering substance that could prevent finish from leveling. A quality finish job starts with dedicated preparation.

Dirty and Incorrect Application Tools

If you used a classic cleaning mop to prepare your surface prior to finishing it, you might think “a mop is a mop,” and continue using the same tool to apply your finish. When the finish begins to level poorly with raised bumps, lines, and pits from the dirt clinging to your cleaning mop – you’ll have learned a lesson the hard way. Avoid this mistake entirely by utilizing the proper, isolated tools for each step of the process. If you use a fresh applicator mop and bucket during the application process, insert a trash can liner into the bucket to prevent any dust-to-mop cross contamination.

Applying floor finish can be a lengthy process. If you must take a break from applicating and return to the project later, wrap up the mop with plastic or a can liner to prevent the finish from drying and hardening on the mop in your absence, which can severely compromise the rest of your application process. Ensure that the mop being utilized does not have cotton fibers, which may leave streaks or cotton fibers on the surface, resulting in uneven leveling. Simplify your application technique with Betco’s QuickCoat Applicator System, featuring replacement 24” and 18” applicator pads.

Improperly Placed Air Movers

Air movers and blowers are a popular method for expediting the drying process when finishing floors. When used with care, air movers are an excellent and efficient way to make the most of your time and project. However, air movers have the potential to ruin your new surface if used incorrectly. When drying floor finish, an air mover should be raised up slightly and pointed above the surface to circulate the air closest to the finish, rather than blowing air directly on the finish.

The blower’s fans should be set on the lowest power to avoid an intense air current, which remains important even though the fan is not blowing on the finish itself. If your fan is running at high speed and blowing directly on top of your fresh finish, you are guaranteed to ruin the leveling properties of the finish, resulting in thick coverage in some places and no coverage in others.

Extreme Temperatures

The temperature of your floor surface and the finish plays a huge role in how the finish adheres to the surface and how it dries. The lower the temperature of the finish, the slower it flows, making it more difficult for the finish to settle evenly on the surface. Additionally, the temperature of the flooring surface itself must be within proper parameters, or the finish will have difficulty leveling properly.

When the temperature of the finish and the floor are high, the product will dry prematurely, and the integrity of the surface will be compromised in the long run. Comfortable temperature guidelines for applying floor finish run between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and the finish and surface should reflect these parameters for best results.

To learn more about Betco’s floor care programs, click here. To take advantage of Betco's comprehensive training course about the life cycle of floor care, please click here. To connect with a floor care expert, please click here.

Methods Used

Probiotic cleaning solutions most commonly utilize Bacillus spores. Bacillus is a “positive” bacteria, meaning it will not cause human disease nor negatively impact plant and animal life. Both studies swabbed various locations around their respective environments, gathering data on currently existing biofilms prior to treating with probiotic cleaners.

The dentist’s office gathered samples from 11 sites around their facility, including sinks, patient head rests, dentist chairs, a keyboard inside the clinic, and more. The hospital team focused on testing surfaces rather than locations and surveyed linoleum, ceramic, and stainless steel.  Each test site’s pathogenic bacteria levels were recorded prior to being treated with a Bacillus-infused probiotic cleaner. 

The hospital study created an 8-month cleaning regimen, treating their surfaces with tap water, soap, a disinfectant, and a probiotic cleaner, measuring the effects of each on resident biofilms. The dentist office treated locations with a probiotic cleaner only and let the samples mature over the course of several weeks. Post-application cycles, both studies then measured the bacteria and pathogen levels of the treated areas. A pathogen is defined as “an organism with the ability to cause disease in a host.” Pathogens exist in the form of bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and worms, meaning they exist in various forms and are able to survive different environments without dedicated intervention.

Discovery: Probiotic Power

Both studies presented the same conclusion: probiotic cleaners lessen the presence of harmful pathogens within resident biofilms. Teams at each location tested and recorded their biofilm contents following treatment with probiotic cleaners. The dentist office tested various high-bacteria locations within their office, reporting that the probiotic cleaner was able to penetrate biofilms and eliminate harmful bacteria from hard-to-reach places – including bacteria that causes staph (staphylococci) and strep (streptococci) infections. What’s more, not only did the probiotic cleaner remove potential health hazards, the harmful bacteria were replaced with the non-pathogenic “good” bacteria from the probiotic cleaner, promoting a healthy environment and supporting the competitive exclusion theory. 

The hospital reported similar results, with the bacteria within the probiotic cleaner outcompeting the pathogens. In other words, the pathogens could not survive since their resources were consumed by the “good” non-pathogenic bacteria. In comparison to the surfaces treated with tap water, soap, and a chemical disinfectant, the probiotic cleaner encouraged beneficial biofilm production while discouraging the continued growth of harmful pathogens. In summary, probiotic cleaners establish inhabitable environments for pathogens, building a safer environment for human health.

To learn more about the studies summarized above, please click here for the hospital research and here for the dentist office report.  

What Is Norovirus?

Norovirus’ unpleasant symptoms created the moniker “winter vomiting disease.” Staying true to its nickname, cases are usually highest in the United States from November to April, and this year is no different. First discovered in Norwalk, Ohio in the late 1960s, norovirus has swept the nation every year since. Symptoms include nausea, sudden vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, muscle pain, and low fevers. The virus targets the intestinal lining and wreaks havoc on the digestive tract for the next 48 hours. Its high level of transmission and severe symptoms make norovirus a threat to facilities with people in close proximity, from nursing homes to elementary schools. 

While most cases are not serious, the severity of the sickness varies. In children under five and adults 85 and older, norovirus can lead to hospitalization and even death in extreme cases. If the afflicted individual is immunocompromised, symptoms have the potential to last for weeks or years in serious cases. Contracting norovirus is certainly inconvenient and uncomfortable, but the real danger lies in dehydration. Liquids must be adequately replenished, or several days of fluid loss can completely dehydrate the sick individual, creating more problems. However, most symptoms generally resolve themselves after several days.

Preventing Norovirus

Norovirus is easily passed from person to person but extremely hard to kill on surfaces, adding to its level of contagion. The genetic composition of the virus differentiates it from other seasonal sicknesses like influenza and the common cold. Cold and flu viruses enter the body enveloped in a protective protein sleeve. This sleeve is easily penetrated with alcohol-based hand sanitizers and cleaners, effectively killing lingering cold and flu germs on surfaces and human hands.

Norovirus is much hardier due to its unique composition. As a single-stranded RNA virus with no penetrable outer coating, alcohol and most common disinfectants are ineffective on hard surfaces. What’s more, norovirus survives for two weeks on surfaces and continues surviving in water for two months or more. This means that even though an individual has fully recovered and is no longer contagious, hard surfaces they have touched with unclean hands will continue spreading infection for two weeks.

To prevent rapid spread, the following EPA registered disinfectants have proven efficacy against norovirus: 

• Quat-Stat™ 5
• Fight Bac™ RTU
• GE Fight Bac™ RTU
• GE Fight Bac™ Wipes

 There are no vaccines or medicines targeting norovirus specifically, but the CDC recommends adopting the following procedures to prevent norovirus infection:

• Wash your hands thoroughly
• Wash all fruits and vegetables before eating
• Disinfect surfaces frequently
• Avoid touching your nose and mouth

Washing your hands is the first line of defense against norovirus. To solve hand hygiene demands in a variety of environments, Betco’s Clario® line is designed for functionality and maximum cleanliness. Every Clario bag is sealed to prevent contamination, providing peace of mind and a quality clean.

To learn more about norovirus and local infection trends, click here. To learn more about Betco’s disinfection solutions, click here. 

A floor burnisher is a piece of power equipment that polishes or burnishes a floor to bring out its original shine. A high-speed burnisher, depending on the type, spins at 1,000 to 3,000 RPMs at a fast rotation, which increases the number of times a floor is agitated. The friction of the burnishing pad on the floor produces the desirable “wet look” shine in fewer passes by repairing abrasion marks and slight scratches. There are different sizes ranging from smaller, more maneuverable to those that tend to cover more square footage in less time to increase efficiency and productivity. Betco^® offers the following high-speed burnishing machines:

• The Crewman^™ 1600 and 2000 High Speed Burnishers are electrical and cover up to 16,000 square feet per hour. The precise balance and flexible pad driver offer an even burnishing path of 20” wide.
• Optima XR Series High Speed Burnishers are propane-powered and are offered in 21”, 27”, and 27” with dust control and burnish up to 34,000 square feet per hour. Thanks to an exclusive high-efficiency fuel delivery system, the Optima XR saves up to 27% on propane versus leading competitors.

High-traffic facilities that care for their floor often, like retail and grocery stores, often use UHS finishes. Floors are a major factor in store cleanliness to customers, and the robust shine produced from burnishing signifies that. Additionally, UHS finishes should be used for high traffic, or else the finish will be walked off the floor. They are also recommended for floors that are worn quickly and need to be burnished more than 3 times a week. Betco suggests the following UHS finishes:

• Photon Max^™ with SRT^™ Floor Finish is designed for ultra high speed routine maintenance programs in high-profile, high-traffic areas by providing a dramatic gloss response when burnished.
• Hi-Tech^® Floor Finish produces an excellent wet look shine after burnishing, and prevents powdering, scuffing, and black marks.
• Hybrid^® Floor Finish uses a new polymer system formulated with XBF technology to provide the longest-lasting finish ever by retaining film integrity and outstanding gloss even after repeated burnishing.

Low Maintenance Finish

Conversely, low maintenance finishes are formulated with harder polymers and waxes that are designed to stand up to high-traffic patterns and wear without losing much gloss. A floor scrubber or floor machine should be used on low maintenance finishes because, as the category name suggests, they don’t need as much maintenance to keep the glossy look.

A mop and bucket do not burnish a floor but is the traditional way to clean it in order restore gloss. Instead, a floor machine can be used to burnish for ease, convenience, and better gloss results. Floor machines generally run at 175 RPM, but dual speed floor machines have an additional speed of 300 RPM. These RPMs are significantly lower than high speed burnishers to protect the low maintenance floor finish.

If using a high speed burnisher on low maintenance finish, the increase of gloss will not be as high as a UHS finish. Additionally, if the low maintenance finish does not respond well to the high speed burnisher, powdering, swirling, or hazing of the floor can occur. Refer to the floor finish label before use.

Betco has equipment that can scrub low maintenance finishes:

• Crewman™ 17HD and 20HD has precise balance to reduce operator fatigue and comes in a 17” pad size and 20” pad size.
• Foreman^® 20DS has dual speeds at 175 RPM or 330 RPM and an hour meter to manage maintenance and usage, available in 20” pad size.

Click here to learn more about our Floor Machines and Floor Scrubbers.

Low maintenance finishes are used in facilities that cannot prioritize floor care. For example, schools typically use low maintenance finishes because burnishing every day is nearly impossible due to classroom furniture. For facilities concerned about cost, some have made the switch from high maintenance finishes to low maintenance finishes, pulling back on burnishing cycles. With high maintenance finishes, cost is associated with mostly labor, and more burnishing means more labor is required. For those looking to make the switch or looking to use a low maintenance finish, Betco recommends the following:

• Hard as Nails^® utilizes a highly durable internally cross-linked polymers blended to achieve a harder floor finish film, resulting in a high gloss, long wearing finish.
• Untouchable^® Floor Finish with SRT is a low odor, black heel mark resistant floor finish that is an exceptional choice for those who want the highest gloss and wear with the least amount of labor.
• Glare^® is a high gloss floor finish that provides the optimum in durability and wear.

Floor Cleaning

No matter the finish a facility has, the floor needs to be cleaned as part of daily maintenance. An auto scrubber can be used to clean all types of finishes. If only a mop and a bucket is available for cleaning, it should be used on a low maintenance finish. A mop and bucket can be used to clean UHS finishes, but they are not as durable. Dirt and wear will affect them to a greater extent, so poor cleaning practices will degrade the finish.

Betco recommends the following products for floor cleaning:

• pH7 Floor Cleaner emulsifies and suspends dirt and grime, leaving floors film-free and full of shine.
• Daily Scrub SC Floor Cleaner is designed for frequently burnished floors and quickly removes deeply embedded soils.
• Betco One Step Floor Restorer is a cleaner and restorer for high-speed floor maintenance programs and effectively cleans the floor while restoring the top layer of the finish after burnishing. This can be applied with a mop and bucket or an auto scrubber prior to burnishing to help improve repair and burnish results.

In terms of auto scrubbers, the GeneSys^™ Auto Scrubber series cleans floors faster with less effort with the best performance specifications in its class. Click here to learn more about what makes GeneSys Auto Scrubbers stand out from the rest.

Floor Finish Selector Guide

Every floor is different, and our tool helps take out the guessing when it comes to floor maintenance. The Floor Finish Selector Guide asks a series of questions about equipment for floor maintenance, sheen desire, sustainability, floor type, time constraints, and budget. Based on the answers, the Floor Finish Selector Guide spits out the best Betco floor finish. Click here to use it.

To view all our floor finishes, floor cleaning products, and more, click here. To learn more about our equipment offerings, click here. For any questions and to speak with a Betco representative, click here to fill out an online form.

2. Better Specs, Better Cleaning

Cleaning is linked to 4 components: chemical, heat, agitation, and time. With auto scrubbers, there is typically no heat included, but there is chemical and agitation over a short period of time. Because of the short period of time, the chemical action and agitation must work quickly to get the job done in one pass.

Agitation is created from a combination of down pressure and RPM. The higher the RPMs, the more times the floor is agitated, which effectively cleans it in less time. Down pressure is how hard the brush or pad pushes against the floor. With more down pressure, an auto scrubber with more horsepower is needed to turn the pad or brush under the force. The employee can operate the machine at a higher speed and still get excellent cleaning results. They do not need to make multiple passes to completely clean the floor, ultimately saving time and labor.

An orbital auto scrubber uses the same specifications but can strip a floor with an abrasive pad attached. Compared to the traditional way of using a mop and bucket, an auto scrubber can quickly remove old floor finish without manual labor. This is a huge advantage because it shortens the stripping time and can cover more floor area.

Battery-powered auto scrubbers are mobile and can operate upward to 7 hours before needing to recharge the battery. Batteries also allow the freedom of taking the auto scrubber anywhere in the facility without needing to be connected to a power source, making project work more convenient and easier.

3. Helpful Technologies

Auto scrubbers may come equipped with technologies meant to make the job quicker and easier; however, it is important to research these features to make sure they are able to deliver the results they promise and are not “gimmicks.” Look for simple, proven technologies that actually save time and increase ease of use by:

• Virtually eliminating time-wasting steps
• Adapting quickly to new needs or different soil types in facilities
• Eliminating the guesswork
• Simplifying machine usage training

Also, technologies should focus on reducing costly and unplanned machine breakdowns. Having a broken machine will disrupt the maintenance process and require expensive repairs and possibly parts. Major components should be protected from early life failures. Plus, when a machine is temporarily out of commission and there is no backup, it halts increased productivity and efficiency by having to revert to traditional, more time-consuming methods. When spending good money on an auto scrubber, it should be expected to last.

GeneSys Walk-Behind Auto Scrubbers

The GeneSys Walk-Behind Auto Scrubbers were designed and developed to meet a primary need in the janitorial and sanitation industry to clean faster with less effort. The larger GeneSys Mid-Size Auto Scrubbers, available in 28 orbital, 26D, 28D, and 32D sizes, have 33% more horsepower, 36% more RPMs, and 50% more down pressure versus the leading disk scrubber competitor. The newer, smaller GeneSys 20 Auto Scrubbers have 25% more horsepower and 50% more down pressure than the leading disk and orbital scrubber competitors.

Each GeneSys is battery-powered and equipped with problem-solving, smart technologies for a more efficient operation.

• SoliChem^™ Technology eliminates manual chemical mixing with the first-ever onboard chemical dispensing system that utilizes chemical solids. A sensor notifies the operator when the solid is dissolved and a new one needs to be installed by easily dropping a new one into the slot. pH7 Ultra Neutral Floor Cleaner and Grease Solv Solid Degreaser tackles a wide variety of soils and delivers up to 80% lower daily cleaning costs compared to traditional liquid cleaners. One solid makes 350 gallons of cleaning solution.
• Fortify^® Asset Protection/Management focuses on keeping the machine running and doing the job with a suite of features and technologies that reduces the cost of ownership while extending machine life.
  • Wet Battery Protection eliminates battery failure and replacements from poor watering maintenance.
  • Tank Defoaming System proactively attacks one of the main causes of early vacuum failure and replacements.
  • Programmable timer restricts usage to only certain times of the day, so the proper operators are using the machine.
• Airoflex^®* Advanced Squeegee has a specialized blade for 40% higher vacuum performance that results in a drier and safer floor.

The GeneSys 28 and 20 Orbital reduces labor by up to 80% versus traditional stripping methods. Larger facilities can save weeks of labor per year. Click here to see just how much is saved while using a GeneSys Orbital.

Betco also offers a plethora of literature and videos to keep on hand to help with the operation and care of a GeneSys Auto Scrubber. Additionally, we offer a free e-learning course dedicated to the GeneSys Auto Scrubbers, a Distributor Training at Betco HQ on-site class that covers all our powered equipment offerings, and the opportunity to have a Betco representative come to a facility for Hands-On Training at Your Location.

All GeneSys Auto Scrubbers are ready to ship! For more information about the GeneSys Auto Scrubbers, their technologies, and to access literature and videos, click here. To learn more about our training programs, click here. To speak with a Betco representative, click here.

*Airoflex is a registered trademark of the Midwest Rubber Company

Betco^® offers both OSHA Hazard Communication Standard and OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard e-learning courses for free in an interactive format, complete with knowledge checks, videos, and bonus resources in English and Spanish. These entirely fulfill the mandated training requirement. Once complete, a certificate of achievement is available for download for proof of passing. For further safety training, take Betco’s Slip and Fall Prevention, the #1 preventable loss type, and Worker Safety, which outlines strategies to stay safe during various tasks.  

For even more compliance and safety training, Betco representatives can come and teach it at a facility through Hands-On Training at Your Location. This is a good opportunity to have a formal training session, receive in-depth information, and ask questions to our experts.

Onboarding

Onboarding training is an orientation program geared towards new employees to allow them to adapt to the workplace culture, their roles, and meet the team. It teaches employees what is expected of them in their role and the functions of the organization. 77% of employees hit their first performance milestone with training. For new hires who don’t get formal training, that drops below 50%. Exposure to the same training through onboarding leads to the use of the same procedures, creating process and outcome uniformity. The organization and its team members will function more efficiently when everyone is on the same page.

Betco offers numerous trainings for new employees to help them get started in their career. From dilution control and disinfection to basic chemistry and restroom sanitation, these free modules are a great foundation and introduction to these topics. As a bonus, facility leaders have the ability to organize courses into custom learning paths, assign e-learning courses, and assign already created e-learning paths to individuals and/or teams for onboarding. In a new Betco.com account experience coming soon, team management will be even more streamlined and easier to navigate with brand-new features and functionalities.

For larger groups of new employees, Betco will send representatives to a facility to review these topics in person. Click here to learn how a group of custodial directors were taught Betco’s Enhanced Facility Disinfection Program for basic disinfection procedures.

Specialty

Training has the power to increase and improve skills in the workplace, giving an organization the competitive advantage, boosting individual and organizational performance, and creating a productive and positive working environment. Efficiency is boosted by 218% with knowledge and skills to excel in quality and productivity. Employees acquire new skills through training, which makes them feel more prepared to accomplish a task. Training drives motivation and willingness because employees feel valued through career enhancement and development.

For those who want to further their skill set to benefit their professional career, Betco has specialty training beyond compliance, safety, and onboarding. Through Hands-On Training at Your Location, Betco representatives will develop a personalized curriculum based on challenges or subjects of greatest interest and teach it at any facility. Our 100+ representatives across North America can come wherever needed at any time of day or night. Click here to learn how a group of airport employees worked with Betco professionals to specifically learn how to a floor maintenance program for terrazzo, saving over $120,000 in floor resurfacing costs. Click here to learn how Betco spent 2 and a half days training maintenance staff members at a higher education facility.

Our E-Learning Course program also has several specialty trainings available, including wood floor care maintenance, concrete and terrazzo maintenance, warewashing for food service, on-premise laundry, and others. As previously mentioned, these courses are available for free and can be taken at any time.

Sales

Sales training should focus on sales techniques, selling strategies, and communication skills development. Job-related training and development influence 70% of employees when deciding whether to stay or go. Employees that become better informed and more motivated to progress in their career tend to stay at the job, increasing retention rates. For a salesperson to be successful when it comes to commercial cleaning and equipment, Betco has the solution.

Through Distributor Training at Betco HQ, learn how to sell Betco. New Distributor Sales Rep (DSR) training familiarizes sales reps with our total solutions bundle to reduce labor costs, increase efficiency, and optimize processes as well as selling and demo strategies. DSRs can also choose training classes for specific topics of interest, like floor care, disinfection, general cleaning, probiotics, equipment, and more. Over the course of a couple of days, DSRs are fully immersed in the class topic with the opportunity to use Betco products and equipment, ask questions to our experts, and network with other professionals in attendance. DSRs leave the class with an abundance of new knowledge, resources, and connections.

On the digital side, our e-learning courses dive into specific products and programs offered by Betco for a complete overview, including a specific selling skills course about EnviroZyme Probiotic Solutions.

Betco Total Training Solutions

As leaders in cleaning professional training, Betco U is designed and developed by real-world experts for comprehensive and effective skill building through Distributor Training at Betco HQ, E-Learning Courses, and Hands-On Training at Your Location.

Additionally, Betco offers digital tools to assist with training. Facility Resource Management is a cloud-based software used to educate, organize, and evaluate a team’s performance. With 2 tiers of janitorial software, improve results, increase efficiency, and validate services. Our video library contains over 200 videos that highlight product and equipment details, safety, and training procedures. The iBet Mobile App is another resource for training with access to Betco U, the video library, and more.

To learn more about Betco’s training offerings, click here. To get in touch with a Betco representative, click here

• Virus droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze entering eyes, nose, or mouth
• Direct contact with the virus, like kissing the face of a child with RSV
• Touching a surface with the virus on it, then touching your face

People infected with RSV are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days and may become contagious a day or two before showing signs of illness. RSV can also survive many hours on hard surfaces, such as tables and crib rails. It lives on soft surfaces for a shorter amount of time, such as hands and tissues.

To help prevent the spread of RSV, the following disinfectants have an RSV claim when used on hard non-porous surfaces:

• Quat-Stat^™ 5
• Triforce
• pH7Q
• Pine Quat
• GE Fight™ Bac RTU
• GE Fight Bac Wipes
• pH7Q Dual

First discovered in 1956, RSV has been treated by healthcare professionals for decades; however, there are no vaccines to prevent it available yet. There are many steps that can be taken to prevent the spread of RSV, including:

• Covering coughs and sneezes without using hands
• Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoiding close contact with others
• Cleaning frequently touched surfaces

To learn more about RSV, click here. To learn more about our disinfection solutions, click here. To get in touch with a Betco representative, click here.

• Proteases break down protein-based soils including blood, food, feces, wine, and other beverages
• Lipases break down fat molecules into fatty acids and glycerol which can be easily washed away
• Amylases break down starch molecules like eggs, sugars, sauces, ice cream, and gravy
• Cellulases target paper soils
• Uricases target uric acid

Enzyme proteins are highly specific to the type of material they work on and are only active when the specific substrate is present, and conditions are correct. Enzymes work to break down the complex substrates into smaller molecules via a chemical reaction. Each type of enzyme is different and will catalyze only one type of reaction. Enzymes are not living organisms, but they are produced by cells in living organisms to help digest soils quickly. Once the enzymes are depleted, no more will be generated and there is no residual cleaning benefit.

Probiotic Cleaners

Bacteria are living cells that produce their own enzymes and must eat to survive. Probiotics are a type of bacteria that do not cause illness and provide benefits, like aiding with digestion and immunity. They are found in soil, water, and even stomachs.

Different probiotic strains produce different enzymes, and the effectiveness of those enzymes varies against different soils based on their unique 3-dimensional shape, as previously explained. If bacteria did not create enzymes, complex food would take too long to disintegrate into consumable components, and the bacteria would not be able to eat enough in a short enough period of time to survive and reproduce.

As a cleaning technology, probiotics remove all types of organic soils by consuming them. Studies show that bacteria can digest petroleum-based soils as well as fats, oils, greases, and other food-based soils. In addition, certain probiotics break down and digest volatile fatty acids, the cause of malodors, and eliminate malodors by attacking them at the source. When bacteria consume soils, the only byproducts are more bacteria, carbon dioxide, and water.

No waste is left behind because bacteria continually feed on and digest the food source until there is nothing left. This stands in contrast to “free enzymes” in enzymatic cleaners, which are used up in the cleaning application and do not provide continuous cleaning. Instead, probiotics produce the correct enzymes needed to digest the right food source when it is needed and continually, which makes them more effective and longer lasting

Traditional Degreasers

Degreasers remove grease from a surface. There are different types of degreasers, both waterbased and solvent-based that use different mechanisms in order to work. Most traditional degreasing products use a combination of ingredients to lift grease, tough debris, and stains easily without much wiping or scrubbing, obtaining the desired cleaning and degreasing effect.

Traditional degreasers use nonrenewable petroleum-based ingredients, have a high pH, are corrosive to the skin and eyes, and do not provide any residual cleaning benefits. Due to the high PH, the used cleaning solution must be treated before it enters the municipal waste stream.

Some probiotic cleaners have degreasing properties and eliminate grease and odors. Lipase and protease enzymes have been found to be effective at breaking down petroleum soils and have been used effectively in major oil spills. As the probiotic degreaser works to clean up grease, it will continue to keep pipes and plumbing grease- and clog-free by continually working after initial application.

EnviroZyme^® Probiotic Solutions

Enzymes, probiotics, and surfactant chemistry are combined in our newest product line, EnviroZyme^® Probiotic Solutions. We ferment our own beneficial bacteria to produce targeted probiotic cleaning solutions that are proven to continue working for 21 days post application. Strains are selected based on their efficacy against specific soils, including fat, oil, grease, and other organic soils. Proprietary nutrient packages boost probiotic growth for better, faster results in multiple applications, including:

• Drains
• Floors
• Loading Docks/Dumpsters
• Tile and Grout
• Grease Traps
• Beverage Tower Trays
• Garbage Disposals
• Urinals

For more information about EnviroZyme Probiotic Solutions, products, and how it can help tackle grease and other organic soils, click here. To get in touch with a Betco representative, click here.

• Blood or body fluids of a person who is sick with or has died from Ebola
• Objects that have been contaminated with body fluids from a person sick with Ebola or the body of a person who died from Ebola

Last month, the United States restricted arrivals of travelers from Uganda to 5 airports to undergo screening for Ebola. Earlier this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an alert to American health workers to be weary of patients who have traveled to Uganda in the last 3 weeks and show possible symptoms of Ebola, which include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Symptoms of impaired kidney and liver function
• Internal and external bleeding
• Low white blood cell and platelet counts
• Elevated liver enzymes

Due to how contagious and dangerous Ebola is, the EPA has added Ebola to its emerging viral pathogen policy. A virus is added to this policy when there is no EPA-approved protocol in place. Under this policy, there are 10 Betco disinfectant products recommended by the EPA’s List Q Disinfectants for Emerging Viral Pathogens for use against Ebola.

• Quat-Stat^™ 5
• Triforce
• pH7Q
• Symplicity^™ Sanibet^™ Multi-Range Sanitizer*
• Pine Quat
• Fight Bac^™ RTU
• GE Fight Bac RTU
• GE Fight Bac Wipes
• pH7Q Dual
• Cide-Bet II

These disinfectants have demonstrated efficacy against viruses similar to Ebola on hard, non-porous surfaces. Therefore, they can be used against the Ebola virus when used per the directions on the product label.

• Avoiding contact with blood and bodily fluids of people who are sick
• Avoid contact with items that may have encountered an infected person’s blood or body fluids
• After returning from an area experiencing an Ebola outbreak, people should monitor their health for 21 days and seek medical care immediately if they develop symptoms

For more information about Ebola, click here. To get in touch with a Betco representative, click here.

*Disinfectant dilution only (3.5 oz/5-gal water)

2. Appearance

Any combination of external soils can potentially ruin a floor’s appearance when tracked inside. During the winter months, mud, snow, slush, and salt are usually the main culprits and are unavoidable. Facilities must take steps to protect people on their property inside and out. Laying salt is one way to melt the snow and ice, but salt or ice melt can scratch and abrade floor finish, thanks to the rough texture of Calcium Chloride. Calcium Chloride melts up to 8 times as much ice within the first 30 minutes at 20 degrees Fahrenheit than regular salt. It is not uncommon for it to be used in parking lots and sidewalks, meaning salt or ice melt is more likely to be tracked in.

Salt and ice melt can also leave behind a white residue if not cleaned up right away, which is damaging to the finish and looks hazy on the surface. They will splinter wood floors and cause dry rot in carpets if left too long. The presence of these winter soils calls for additional cleaning practices and procedures to maintain a clean look.

3. Moisture

If melted snow and ice are not properly cleaned up, the increased moisture on the floor can be damaging. There are several things that can happen and indicate too much moisture has penetrated the floor:

• Adhesive deterioration and failure
• Losing floor tiles
• Peaking and curling where the edges of the floor have raised
• Open seams
• A musty odor that occurs when there is mold growth and when moisture becomes trapped
• Pest infestations, like termites and ants, from the dark and damp environment

Moisture can cause issues on every floor type, but it is the worst offender for carpet. As water from snow and ice seep into the carpet, it can destroy the fibers and padding. Salt attracts moisture and stays wet. The damp residue is alkaline and potentially harmful to dyes used in acid-dyed nylon and wool. The salt crystals contribute to abrasive damage to carpet fibers. Additionally, carpet can give off foul odors as old moisture becomes trapped if not treated in time.

Solutions

Proper cleaning and maintenance on floors during the winter months is the solution to reduce slip and fall accidents, maintain a high-quality appearance, and eliminate excess moisture. Before winter beings, strip and recoat the floors to increase protection. If it’s too late to do so, performing a scrub and recoat is the second best line of defense. It will provide a layer of finish on the floor and will help avoid deep stains. Click here to take our Floor Finish Selector Guide quiz to determine which Betco floor finish is best for your floor.

Place weatherproof mats at every entrance and ensure they are regularly cleaned. Mats will serve as a place for building occupants to wipe their shoes, eliminating snow, ice, and salt from being tracked onto the floor and creating a safety hazard. Scraper mats stop grit and snow, while a cloth mat dries moisture on shoes. Another mat piece may be placed as somewhere to leave weathered shoes or boots. It is recommended to have at least 20 feet of matting at every entrance.

The Workman^® 20 Wet Dry Vacuum tackles all types of wet or drying cleaning on hard floors and carpets. Use it at every entrance multiple times per day as the mats become soiled. Use it to also suck up excess moisture lingering on the floor or soils that have been tracked beyond the carpets and mats. The GeneSys^™ Auto Scrubber tackles larger spaces or spaces with excessive soils and water by offering a complete clean that mopping alone cannot. When auto scrubbing during the winter, it is best to use a double scrub method.

Most floor cleaning chemicals and neutral cleaners are formulated to remove everyday dirt and oily grime, but winter weather elements pose more challenges. Use pHerfect on most hard floor surfaces to remove tough soils and neutralize common ice melt and salt ingredients and byproducts, such as sodium, Calcium Hydroxide, and Hydrochloric Acid, in one step. Salts slowly dissolve in water and need to be kept wet by rinsing, which is time consuming. Using an acidic solution, like pHerfect, speeds up the dissolving process by neutralizing the salt.

Betco also has products formulated for specific flooring types, including:

• Top Flite^™ or Green Earth^® Peroxide Cleaner for marble and polished stone
  • Green Earth Peroxide for stone products that are acid sensitive
• pHerfect rinsed with Squeaky^™ Concentrate Floor Cleaner for wood
• STG Cleaner and Protectant for stone, tile, and grout
  • Click here to learn more about our Stone, Tile, and Grout maintenance program and to take our Product Selector Guide quiz
• FiberPRO^® Red ‘N’ Brown Out Stain Remover for carpet
  • Precondition carpet with the acidic rinse agent that neutralizes Calcium Chloride. Follow with rinsing then cleaning again with conventional alkaline agents to remove the remaining soils.

Consistently cleaning and vacuuming will also increase safety by reducing slip and fall accidents. In addition, Betco has a Slip and Fall Prevention Program that contains resources about common causes, risk management, and emergency response efforts. A free Slip and Fall Prevention e-learning course is available, and Betco experts will assist with recommending best practices and products to reduce slip and fall accidents.

For more information about Betco’s floor care program, click here. To get in touch with a Betco representative, click here.

On the other hand, grocery store employees keep the business running and drive a positive customer experience. A high employee turnover rate is not uncommon in the grocery industry. In 2020, retailers saw an overall turnover rate of 58%, up from 40% in 2019, according to The Food Retailing Industry Speaks report. Professional training in a grocery store makes it easier to recruit, onboard, and retain high-quality and engaged talent.

A standardized scope of work and field support ensures that all staff members are using the same procedures, which results in a uniform process and outcome. A lack of cleaning consistency and performance can be noticed by customers and skew the store’s clean reputation. Betco offers customized scope of work creation and documentation, as well as training and support that make it easier to retain high-quality talent. Free training covers proper cleaning procedures, restroom sanitation, dilution control, and more. Click here to view Betco’s Total Training Solutions.

2. Maximizing Safety

When safety is compromised, it can lead to a potential lawsuit against the store. Common causes of lawsuits include slips and falls and foodborne illnesses. Slip and fall accidents in grocery stores are the #1 cause of injury for both employees and customers. The $494 billion grocery store industry spends $450 million annually to defend slip and fall claims. Proper floor maintenance and risk management practices are the only prevention.  

Especially in departments like meat, seafood, deli, and bakery where food is prepared, the risk of cross-contamination and health code violations can be high. The Center for Disease Control reports that 1 in 6 Americans get sick each year from food-borne illnesses. Of those, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die. Proper hand hygiene, disinfection practices, and sanitation of food handling areas boost adherence to health code requirements.

Betco helps grocers ensure that proper practices are in place by providing custom wall charts to reinforce proper chemical application methods and directions, as well as task cards to guide staff with visual aids that highlight procedures, products, and tools needed to perform jobs consistently. The free training mentioned above also includes topics to increase safety—such as OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, disinfection basics, and hand hygiene.

Our Slip and Fall Prevention Program has resources that teach about the common causes, risk management to avoid accidents, and emergency response efforts, including a Slip and Fall Prevention e-learning course. Our experts will recommend best practices and products to reduce slips and fall accidents, including floor cleaners and equipment. Additionally, all Betco floor finishes meet or exceed ASTM D 2047, which contributes to a safer walking surface. It is the most recognized test method of slip resistance in the United States court of law. Our expert witnesses for slip and fall cases are members of the ASTM D-21 Committee on Polishes as well as the D-21.06 Slip Resistance subcommittee that can testify in a court of law on your behalf for slip and fall accidents.

3. Optimizing Profitability

Supply chain disarray, wage growth, elevated freight, and other inflationary pressures have and continue to impact the grocers and their profits immensely. Optimizing expenses like cleaning supplies by carefully evaluating what you buy and how you buy it can provide cost savings across an entire business.

Based on an analysis of a grocery store’s current delivery supply chain, Betco is able to understand all aspects of product procurement and use. The intention is to also help maintain or reduce budget through increased efficiencies and reduced transaction. Our fast delivery turn-around times and reduced minimum order sizes are combined with product consolidation and reduced consumption for greater bottom-line savings.

Our innovative solutions will increase productivity, so more can get done in less time with fewer staff members needed.

• Floor Care and Equipment: Drives down labor costs by extending maintenance cycles, improves gloss, and reduces slips and falls
• Hand Hygiene: Stretches hand care budgets without sacrificing cleanliness with Clario^®
• Dilution Control: FastDraw^® Chemical Management System saves up to 30% with accurate dilution of chemical concentrates
• Warewash: Delivers one-wash clean performance

SmartSteps^® Program

Betco is a partner for grocery stores with a unique approach to align building service contractors or in-house cleaning staff and stakeholders. Our SmartSteps^® Program offers solutions to grocery’s top 3 problems by creating and executing a customized and holistic program for cleaning excellence in just 5 steps:

1. Identification: Outline strengths, challenges, and opportunities for improvement through a store audit
2. Diagnosis: Review cleaning procedures and techniques to create a baseline scope of work and define goals
3. Prescription: Prescribe appropriate solutions for effective and sustainable outcomes
4. Implementation: Spearhead delivery, installation, and inventory of assets and provide safety and certified training on relevant topics
5. Evaluation: Proactively follow up, monitor, and inspect performance outcomes and adjust the program as necessary

Betco has simplified solutions with guaranteed outcomes for grocery stores. For more information about the SmartSteps Program, click here. To speak with a Betco representative, click here.

UV radiation is a type of non-ionizing radiation with the highest energy. UV radiation can come from the sun or artificial sources and is measured on the electromagnetic spectrum. UV radiation falls between x-ray and visible light on the electromagnetic spectrum. It is used for many different things, including transmitting sound, microwaves, and x-rays. The most common types of UV radiation include UVA, UVB, and UVC. UV wands give off UVC radiation to disinfect surfaces.

UVC Rays

UVC is the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum. UVC radiation from the sun is blocked by the ozone layer in the atmosphere, but humans can be exposed to UVC rays through artificial sources, like UV wands. It has one of the shortest wavelengths, which makes it one of the most dangerous and damaging types of UV radiation.

UVC uses a specific wavelength of UV light, between 100 and 280 nanometers, to neutralize microorganisms. When applied to a surface, UVC penetrates the bacteria and changes the structure of DNA and RNA inside the cell nucleus. It inactivates them by stopping the cell division function and prevents proliferation.

UV Wand Effectiveness

UV wands are only effective if the virus is directly exposed to the radiation. Therefore, soils like dust and bodily fluids can prevent the UV wand from inactivating the virus. Additionally, prolonged exposure to UV on a surface may be needed depending on the UV dosage. These limitations can lead to an increase in time spent disinfecting and an increase in health and safety risks by not killing the viruses completely on surfaces (without taking additional cleaning steps) and exposing the user to high levels of radiation.

UV Wand Dangers

Recently, FDA conducted a study by collecting and testing samples of UV wands from multiple manufacturers. The purpose of these tests was to identify safety risks of using UV wands for disinfection, including:

• UVC exposure
• Safety information
• Disinfection claims
• Protection

Some UV wands marketed to “disinfect in seconds” were releasing as much as 3,000 times more UVC radiation than the exposure limit recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. As a result, the user or people nearby can experience 2 types of injuries after only a few seconds of exposure. A red rash, burn-like skin reaction called erythema can form and have a severity range of mild to life-threatening. The eyes can experience photokeratitis, a painful and temporary eye condition caused by exposure to UV rays that is like sunburn. It can feel like having sand in the eyes and last up to 2 days.

It was also discovered that not all UV wands are packaged with proper safety precautions and instructions that include eye and skin protection recommendations. Some do not have adequate safety features that reduce injury to the person using the UV wand or people nearby during application.

Alternate Disinfection Method

The FDA recommends not using UV wands and utilizing alternative disinfection methods, such as chemical cleaners to kill germs. Most chemical cleaners are able to disinfect just as well or better than UV wands without the risk of radiation exposure.

Betco^® has disinfection solutions for any situation with concentrates, ready-to-use products, and wipes readily available:

• The FastDraw dilution control systems in conjunction with concentrates drive down disinfection costs and increase safety.
• The powerful, ready-to-use products save time and effort when it comes to disinfection.
• All the benefits of a ready-to-use product are wrapped up in a fast, convenient, and sustainable wipe.

With close to 20 disinfectants available in a variety of formats, it can be overwhelming to understand which disinfectant will be the most effective. To help, the Disinfectant Selector Guide will assist with determining which disinfectant will work best for a facility or space. Click here to take the test.

For more information about Betco disinfectants, click here. To speak with a Betco representative, click here.

As reported in our June post, the EPA has added the Monkeypox virus to their emerging viral pathogen policy. A virus is added to this policy when there is no EPA-approved protocol set in place. Under this policy, there are 10 Betco disinfectant products recommended by the EPA’s List Q Disinfectants for Emerging Viral Pathogens for use against Monkeypox:

• Quat-Stat^™ 5
• Triforce
• pH7Q
• Symplicity^™ Sanibet^™ Multi-Range Sanitizer*
• Pine Quat
• Fight Bac^™ RTU
• GE Fight Bac RTU
• GE Fight Bac Wipes
• pH7Q Dual
• Cide-Bet II

These disinfectants have demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to Monkeypox on hard, non-porous surfaces. Therefore, they can be used against the Monkeypox virus when used per the directions on the product label.

In addition to cleaning and disinfecting hard, non-porous surfaces to reduce the spread of Monkeypox, the EPA also recommends the following prevention methods:

• Practice proper hand hygiene.
• Launder infected clothing, bedding, and towels in warm water. Bleach may be added but is not necessary.
• Infected dishes or eating utensils should be isolated and washed separately in a dishwasher or by hand with warm water and soap.

The Monkeypox virus dates back to 1958 when the pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. Transmission of the virus happens when a person comes into contact with the virus from an animal, human, or materials that are contaminated with Monkeypox. Human transmission occurs primarily through large respiratory droplets or indirect contact through clothing or linens.

For more information about Monkeypox, click here. To get in touch with a Betco representative, click here.

*Disinfectant dilution only (3.5 oz/5-gal water)

Linseed oil is derived from dried seeds of flax plants and is a carrier in many oil-based products. When linseed oil is exposed to air, it combines with oxygen molecules that cause a chemical reaction, creating heat. The heat can cause a fire on a flammable object, like a rag, at as low as 120 degrees Fahrenheit without a spark.

Clean Up

When applying oil-based finishes, applicators like towels and rags are used and need to be disposed of properly after use. What can you do with the oil-soaked rags? Most would just assume they should be thrown out or stored away for the next job. This is when a finish project becomes more dangerous. If not properly disposed of or stored, as the rags begin to dry, the combination of heat, oxygen, and cloth can lead to spontaneous combustion and start a fire. As mentioned above, linseed oil can spark a fire just by being exposed to the air.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, an estimated 14,000 fires occur annually from spontaneous combustion. The garage/storage room was the most common area of origin (20% of fires) and oily rags were the most common items first ignited (35%). To prevent spontaneous combustion, oil-based finish rags must be stored and disposed of in a specific way.

• Rags should not be in a pile
• Keep them outside and away from building structures
• Put dried rags in a metal container that is airlocked and sealed
• Keep the containers in a cool place out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources

Removing oil-based finish or cleaning up spills requires a solvent, like mineral spirits that dissolve oil, and quick thinking to eliminate a potential fire hazard. There are many different methods and options, but they require additional supplies and steps to be successful.

Odor

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are emitted into the air as soon as a container of oil-based finish is opened. They’re also emitted when the finish is applied and then again as it dries. As an oil-based finish dries, the solvents evaporate and release VOCs into the air, contributing to air pollution and a strong solvent smell.

VOCs are carbon-containing substances that become vapors or gases and assist with the application and drying of finish. When combined with other pollutants, smog can form and create even more environmental and health problems. VOCs contain the solvent odor that comes from oil-based finish. It is an unpleasant scent that could last for months or even years after finish application. It can be irritating for the people who smell the odor and inhaling fumes are harmful to human health. Prolonged exposure can a burning sensation, blurred vision, and a potential collapse.

Adequate ventilation in the work area is important to reduce oil-based finish odors and help with the indoor air quality. A good ventilation system is necessary to help with eliminating odors and improving air flow and air quality. The EPA reports that the indoor concentration of VOCs can be up to 1,000 times higher than what it would be outdoors, and low air quality can cause health problems.

Betco^® Sports Zone^® Emulsion^® PRO+

The best defense against oil-based finishes and their hazards is to avoid them completely. Waterbased finishes are a safer alternative to oil-based finishes because water is used as the solvent as opposed to oil. Acrylic resin forms the bond between the wood and solids of the waterbased finish as it is applied. Then, the water evaporates from air exposure, leaving behind the resin and colorants on the wood surface. It also allows the finish to dry quickly and be ready to walk on in as little as 30 minutes. The ingredients are the clear difference between an oil-based finish and waterbased finish. Removing the petroleum distillates, varnish, and linseed oil of oil-based finish from the equation significantly creates a safer finish and reduces dangerous risks.

Emulsion^® PRO+ is a one component, ambering commercial grade, self-leveling finish and sealer. It’s an excellent choice for professionals that are looking to make the transition from OMUs to waterbased because it’s an ambering finish that delivers a rich look of traditional oil but with all the advantages of a waterbased finish. Benefits of a waterbased finish include:

• Non-flammability, which makes the clean-up process easier. Because water is the solvent, used rags can be piled together, stored together, and disposed of in a regular garbage can without the risk of sparking a fire. Used rags will not spontaneously combust.
• If there is a spill, only soap and water are needed to clean up. Accidental drips of water from sweat or bottles will also not affect the project.
• Low odor, which avoids issues associated with offensive, extreme fumes.
• Low VOCs increase sustainability and improve air quality.

For those looking for a safer finish option, Emulsion PRO+ is the best choice for sport floors. For more information, click here. To speak with a Betco^® representative, click here

If the floor is linoleum, sheet vinyl, VCT, LVT, or similar floor types, it is a resilient surface floor. Floors like wood, stone, tile, grout, laminate, concrete, and terrazzo are hard surface floors. Choosing a floor finish that is formulated to the floor type is important for maximum performance, particularly regarding adhesion, and looks.

The floor finish appearance varies on the amount of luster or sheen produced when the light reflects the floor surface. The scale goes from high gloss to matte with some sheens in between:

• High gloss: Most shiny and most reflective
• Semi-gloss: Moderate amount of shine that is reflective just enough to be noticeable
• Satin: Medium to low sheen and serves as the median point of sheen levels
• Matte: Very low sheen level that has virtually no light reflection

Every floor finish is prone to scruffs, black heel marks, and other smudges that appear from everyday wear and tear. However, some floor finish is formulated to reduce markings, which boosts productivity and saves time. Specific Betco^® floor finishes are equipped with Scuff Resistant Technology (SRT), an innovative technology specific to Betco. SRT uses a proprietary technology polymer, wax, plasticizer, and additive package that drastically reduces black heel marks. A floor finish’s hardness also contributes to resisting scruffs, scratches, and dirt embedment. The higher the hardness percentage, the more durable and long wearing the finish will be, which is especially important on floors with high traffic.

High traffic can also increase the risk of slips and falls. Slip resistance is the static coefficient of friction between a shoe and a coated floor tile. All Betco floor finishes meet or exceed ASTM D 2047, which contributes to a safer walking surface. It is the most recognized test method for slip resistance in the United States court of law. To learn more about preventing slips and falls, click here to take our Slip and Fall Prevention module. 

2. Maintenance

After the floor finish has been chosen and applied, it is important to maintain it. Burnishing helps the high gloss and semi-gloss floor finish sheens achieve their highest possible shine without needing to perform a full strip and refinish or scrub and recoat. It also helps floors hold up longer against everyday wear and tear by removing dullness and repairing scratches for an overall cleaner appearance.

The frequency of burnishing is dependent on the type of floor finish. Ultra high-speed floor finishes offer the highest possible gloss on floors but require burnishing 1-7 times per week and usually need to be done with a propane or high-speed burnisher. This is because these kinds of floor finishes tend to dull quickly and need extra attention to keep them looking their best. Consistent and proper burnishing will reduce additional maintenance and increase the time between top-scrubbing and stripping. It also reduces the need for a frequent floor restorer, which rejuvenates the floor finish and extends the Life Cycle of Floor Care.

On the other hand, no to low maintenance floor finishes require no burnishing or very little burnishing, potentially once a week or once a month. These floor finishes do not drop in gloss as quickly as they experience wear and tear and therefore do not need as much maintenance, ideal for facilities with time constraints. 

3. Ingredients and Solids

Floor finish is typically made up of the following ingredients.

• Polymers: Commonly called plastics that dictate the main characteristics of the floor finish, like durability and gloss levels
• Resin: A substitute for polymer solids that are usually less expensive, have lower durability, and a poor color
• Plasticizer: Adds to the coatings’ flexibility, gloss, and film formation
• Wax: Provides lubricity to the finish film and allows floor finish to be repaired more easily
• Cosolvent: Helps hold polymers in suspension and aids in film formation
• Additives: Assist in easy application, product storage, and long-term performance of floor finish
• Water: Acts as a medium to evenly distribute all components

After the floor finish is applied, the volatile ingredients—cosolvents and water—will evaporate.  The non-volatile ingredients—polymers, waxes, and plasticizers—remain on the floor after the volatiles evaporate. Usually expressed as a percentage of the total formula, these are referred to as solids, and they provide the protective coating. Floor finishes with over 25% of solids are considered a high solid finish.

High solid floor finishes have more active ingredients, which reduce the number of coats needed during floor finish application and lengthen the time between reapplying floor finish. What may be lesser known is that solids refer to anything that does not evaporate during the curing process of floor finish. There could be unwanted, harmful ingredients included in the formula that causes a floor finish to not perform as expected. Always consult the label for ingredients before application.

In addition, solid finishes tend to be more expensive due to more additives, like slip resistance, surface textures, and bonding. However, low solid finishes manufactured in recent years are able to perform just as well or even better than high solid finishes at lesser of a cost. Therefore, comparing solid percentages between finishes should not be the sole factor in deciding a floor finish type. 

4. Sustainability

Floor finish that is considered green does not contain zinc, excessive levels of which can pose a threat to environmental and human health. Elevated levels of zinc can cause be harmful to natural ecosystems by inhibiting the uptake of other essential nutrients by plants. When a floor finish with zinc is stripped, the zinc travels down the drain and eventually ends up in a wastewater treatment plant. It is a difficult material to remove during wastewater treatment and is also now regulated in wastewater discharge limits.

Metal-interlock finishes use metal ions like zinc to bind together and form a crosslinked network with polymer chains. This technique can help the dried film to be more durable and detergent resistant, which is why most floor finishes commonly contain zinc.

For more sustainable floor finish options, Betco offers Green Earth^® Floor Finish and Green Earth Prelude^™ Floor Finish and Sealer, both of which do not contain zinc or any heavy metals but are still formulated to shine as brilliantly and last as long as conventional finishes. The use of these finishes allows facilities to satisfy green mandates and even attain LEED certification.

Betco Floor Finish Selector Guide

Betco has a variety of high-quality floor finishes for many floor types that fulfill different performance, maintenance, and sustainability needs. To understand which floor finish will work on your floor, our Floor Finish Selector Guide is a great tool. Answer a series of questions regarding maintenance, floor type, and budget, and it will recommend the best Betco finish for your floor.

To use the Floor Finish Selector Guide, click here. If you have any questions about Betco floor finish or any of our floor care programs, please fill out our online contact us form, or call 1-888-GO-BETCO to speak with a representative today.

 

1. Sustainable Manufacturing

The manufacturing of bag-in-box packaging is significantly more sustainable than plastic pails because it uses fewer resources. Most pails are made entirely from a high-density polyethylene, which is a more rigid plastic that—according to the Environmental Protection Agency—is only recycled about 30% of the time. The production process of plastic uses petrochemicals as a raw material and generates greenhouse gas emissions as it’s produced. Bag-in-box uses less plastic because only the bag part is made out of plastic, and it is a lower density type, reducing the overall amount of plastic used as well as emissions and waste.

Cardboard is a material with one of the lowest environmental impacts because it is 100% biodegradable and recyclable. More specifically, corrugated cardboard degrades within a year maximum. More than 75% of a bag-in-box package is corrugated and fully recyclable, renewable, and biodegradable. The other 25% is the plastic, the recyclability of which depends on the geographical location and its collecting, sorting, and recycling infrastructure. 

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Thanks to sustainable manufacturing, less resources, and more recyclable materials, switching to bag-in-box cuts greenhouse gases by 52% and energy in production by to up 81%.

2. Efficient Transportation

Bag-in-box products are more convenient to ship and transport. Their rectangular-shaped package takes up less space and are able to easily be stacked together. A skid comprises 50 bag-in-box units but only 36 plastic pail units. This means more bag-in-box products can be shipped at once. As a result, CO₂ emissions are lowered because fewer trucks are needed to transport bag-in-box products.

Similarly, for inbound freight, there can be 3,000 empty bags-in-boxes per skid and only 132 empty pails per skid. Empty bag-in-box packaging can be delivered flat and take up very little space. Using the same logic as above, this means there are fewer CO₂ emissions due to needing fewer trucks to transport empty bag-in-box packages.

Another important note is the ability of bag-in-box packaging to protect the product as it is shipped, so it arrives undamaged and sealed. Compared to pails, the risk of damaged goods is lower for bag-in-box products. With pails, the rigid plastic can crack and bust, especially when the product is stacked too high and/or when a truck hits a bump on the road. This can also happen when pails lean forward if the driver needs to brake hard or if the bales are facing inward. Bag-in-box is more flexible due to the cardboard and plastic bag, which makes it harder for the packaging to break and product to leak during transportation. Further protection is provided by shrink wrap.

3. Storage Benefits

Once the product arrives at a warehouse or facility, it needs to be stored in the appropriate location to await shipment or for later use. This can be a challenge due to small and tight spaces. Bag-in-box’s simple shape and size help minimize space requirements. When stacked, there is no dead space between the boxes. On the other hand, pails are usually circular. When stacked, there is a dead space because they do not fit evenly next to each other, as shown below. 

In total, there is a 39% reduction in cubic feet for bag-in-box compared to pails. Bag-in-box skids, for example, are 33 cubic feet for 200 gallons. Pail skids are 59 cubic feet for 180 gallons. That’s 20 more gallons of product in 26 less cubic feet for bag-in-box.

4. Ease of Use

Beyond just efficient transportation and storage, the rectangular shape of bag-in-box makes it easier for employees to carry or haul the products to wherever they are needed. Once there, to help with dispensing, there are conveniently placed spigots that release product when opened and block product when closed. This means product can be dispensed without the bag-in-box ever leaving the storage shelf or other flat surface. This is more convenient for customers because, unlike a pail, it does not require additional labor and strength to lift and pour product out.

Other common issues with plastic pails include heavy surging or glugging when product is poured out, as well as extra time and effort to scrape the sides to use all available product. With the bag-in-box spigot, customers can dispense a specific amount of product, eliminating overflow and extra mess. The spigot feature also allows a 99% evacuation rate, meaning nearly all the product inside the bag can be used without hassle, so customers receive the full value of what was purchased more easily. 

Betco Bag-in-Box

Betco has made the switch to the bag-in-box packaging to improve sustainable efforts and help eliminate our carbon footprint. We believe this change helps our customers and the environment simultaneously through many benefits, including manufacturing, transportation, storage, and application.

For more information, click here. If you have any questions about bag-in-box, please fill out our online contact us form, or call 1-888-GO-BETCO to speak with a representative today.

Aerosols and the Earth

Aerosols influence the climate and the environment by changing the amount of heat that enters or leaves the atmosphere. Some aerosols reflect light, preventing sun rays from reaching Earth. Others absorb heat from the sun's rays, trapping the solar energy within the atmosphere and warming it. Both ways control how much energy reaches the Earth’s surface, which changes the balance of energy. Earth’s energy balance is how the incoming energy from the sun is used and then returned to space. If those 2 factors are balanced, the Earth’s temperature remains constant.

Aerosol Cans

Aerosol cans are probably one of the first things that come to mind when the term “aerosol” is mentioned. An aerosol can is a self-contained dispensing system in which a substance is stored inside a small canister and pushed out as a mist, spray, or foam. The substance mix is pressurized within the canister in order to be released by pushing the button to open the valve. Cleaning products are just one of the many items that can be applied with an aerosol can. More specifically, disinfectants, glass cleaners, and air fresheners are usually found in an aerosol can.

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Aerosol cans were first popular in the 1920s. They were filled with insecticide and propellants to protect United States service people from diseased insects. In the 1950s, the first mass-produced aerosol valve was produced, and the aerosol industry developed quickly around the world. It wasn’t until the 1970s when scientists discovered Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), the chemical used to propel the product out of the can, was harming the environment, specifically the ozone layer. CFCs destroy the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays by rising into the stratosphere and coming into contact with ozone molecules. In response, The Clean Air Act was implemented to ban all use of CFCs in the United States, and the trend followed around the world. Companies were challenged to find a different way to continue to sell aerosol cans for products.

Today, aerosol cans use hydrocarbons and a type of compressed or liquefied gas to function. The gas pushes down on the liquid, forcing it through the tube and out the valve. The liquid is a mixture of product and liquified gas in order to get the misty spray expected of the aerosol can.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Aerosol products also emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are carbon-containing substances that cause pollution as they interact with nitrogen oxides. When combined with other pollutants, ground-level ozone, or smog, can form. Ground-level ozone triggers a variety of respiratory health issues when humans are exposed. When used inside a facility or home, VOCs can lower air quality. The EPA’s Total Exposure Assessment Methodology studies found that levels of a dozen common organic pollutants can be 2–5 times higher inside homes. In a recent study by the University of New York and the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, it is estimated that 1.3 million tons of VOC air pollution is released every year and could rise to 2.2 million tons by 2050.  

Disposing of Aerosol Cans

More than 25 billion cans are used and disposed of each year. Most of these cans are steel or aluminum and can be recycled. However, only 30% of these cans actually make it to a recycling center. Investigate different recycling options for aerosol cans in your local area as these cans cannot be thrown away or recycled in the standard way. Simply throwing aerosol cans into a trash can is bad for the environment, non-compliant, and unsafe because it is considered hazardous material from their highly pressurized chemicals within the can. If there is any product or pressurized gas left in the can, it must be disposed of through a hazardous waste program. If recycled or thrown away with substance still inside, it can cause a fire. Refer to the aerosol can label for specific instructions on how to properly and safely dispose of the product. 

Beyond environmental effects, aerosol cans and sprays are dangerous for other reasons:

Pressurization: Any kind of problem with the pressurization of an aerosol can cause depressurization. Unintentional depressurization from punctures, excessive temperatures, corrosion, or faultiness can cause an explosion. An explosion may burn the user or cause pieces of the can to fly through the air at random.

Ingredients: The actual product being dispensed by the can may be hazardous due to the ingredients. Depending on the product, the chemicals that create the product are released into the air and can be inhaled by the user. The product can come in contact with the skin or eyes, causing irritation. Leftover product in an aerosol can is classified as hazardous waste.

Flammability: Aerosol cans and heat do not mix. Leaving these types of cans in the sun, near high heat or an open flame can result in an explosion. The substance inside is also most likely flammable and may catch fire. When an aerosol can is disposed of, any leftover product inside is at risk of catching fire.

Aerosol Cleaning Products

In the commercial cleaning industry, aerosol sprays are popular for certain products, but the best defense against the dangers of aerosol cans is to stop using them completely. As an alternative, ready-to-use (RTU) quarts yield similar application and the same results without the harmful environmental and health effects. Quart RTUs contribute to “green cleaning” due to the longer life span of cleaning solution, refillable bottles, and increased safety from reduced hazards and chemical waste.

Most commercial and institutional aerosols, including cleaning products, are made from stainless steel material. Today, prices and demand for stainless steel are at a high, but supplies are low. Long shipment times, lack of imports, and high prices for stainless steel scraps have all contributed to a delay in production. As a response, material skyrocketed to $50+ per roll and continues to trend upward.

Although RTUs cannot replace every single aerosol product, those that can be replaced should be replaced. Betco^® has a variety of RTU cleaning products that are great substitutes to aerosol cleaning products with enhanced sustainability benefits, including:

• Do not cause environmental pollution
• Do not emit hazardous gases into the environment
• Do not increase radiation
• Are easier to dispose of properly and recycle

Refer to the chart below to determine which quart RTU is the best alternative to an aerosol product. Our RTUs are readily available and subject to less stringent regulations. To learn more and to speak with a Betco representative, please click here.

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